Kerry Zaroogian

Partner

My Legal Practice

My clients are smart and savvy professionals who work in finance and other high-stakes industries. It’s a privilege to position them for success, wherever they’re heading in their careers.

My clients are deeply invested in their careers, which makes up a large part of their sense of self. When they reach a crossroad in their career it’s a major moment, one that I lean into as a fearless guide and tenacious advocate.

Specifically, I represent executives and professionals, and sometimes groups of them, to negotiate job offers, contract changes, departures and related matters. My clients, which include hedge fund managers and private equity executives, tend to have very complicated contracts and compensation structures.

Thus, I’m very much an employment lawyer and an executive compensation attorney.

When I help my clients negotiate, we first analyze their employer’s compensation philosophy, current market trends, and the various levers in play such as base salary, bonuses, and long-term incentives. Then I negotiate those levers to achieve my client’s most important financial goals.

I particularly enjoy helping groups of clients who are navigating moments of corporate change. Sometimes their company is going through an M&A transition, which means negotiating transaction bonuses, rollover equity, new employment agreements, and new long-term incentive plans. Other times, I guide groups who have decided to leave their employer for a new opportunity, which can bring up non-compete and non-solicit negotiations.

In every situation, my clients rely on me for strength, guidance, and creativity, and to genuinely treat their interests as if they were my own.

Notable Matters

Represented a team of seven executives in the sale of a water treatment company from one private equity sponsor to another.
Represented a founder and two senior executives in the sale of a technology company to a private equity sponsor.
Represented a public company chief financial officer in her retention, exit and new employment.
Represented a public company chief financial officer in his promotion to chief executive officer and his recruitment to join a private equity-backed portfolio company.
Represented the incoming chief executive officer of a closely held, billion-dollar business.
Represented the chief human resources officer of a closely held company in her retention and departure.
Represented a group of eight executives and investment professionals in the sale of their investment company to a strategic buyer.
Represented a group of ten salespeople in their move from one firm to another.
Represented a highly compensated consultant in her move to a competitor, set against the backdrop of a competitive liftout.

Credentials

B.A., Brandeis University
J.D., Northeastern University
Admitted to practice in New York and Minnesota

My Story

My interest in the law was kindled by grandfather, who was a corporate lawyer and a law school professor. He instilled in me an understanding of the law – but, more importantly, he taught me the value of providing exceptional client service and practical advice, rather than presenting legal issues without solutions.

In law school, I explored different areas of practice through a series of internships, including one at a Boston-area criminal and civil court. I also spent time at the ACLU of Minnesota, where I became fascinated by the intersection of employment and free speech issues. Later, I worked at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in New York City, and by that time I could see how all the steps were leading me toward a career in employment law.

I love the complexity and intellectual stimulation of what I do. But my favorite part of my job is building relationships with people and collaborating with them to navigate through a career change.

In that regard, I view my client’s careers as a path, which I help them navigate. Whether it’s an anticipated turn (such as a promotion) or an unexpected twist (such as a dismissal), my work is very personal, and even more rewarding.

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